Optoelectronic system and apparatus for connection to biological systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a biological probe structure, as well as apparatuses, systems, and methods employing this structure. In particular embodiments, the structure includes a hermetically sealed unit configured to receive and transmit one or more optical signals. Furthermore, the structure can be implanted subcutaneously and interrogated externally. In this manner, a minimally invasive method can be employed to detect, treat, and/or assess the biological target. Additional methods and systems are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 839,264, filed Jun. 25, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST[0002]This invention was made with Government support under contract no. DE-AC04-94AL85000 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy to Sandia Corporation. The Government has certain rights in the invention.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to optoelectronic structures capable of connecting to biological systems. In particular, the structures of the invention include a hermetically sealed unit configured to receive and transmit one or more optical and / or electrical signals. These structures are configured to be coupled optically to one or more components to allow an implanted structure to be interrogated externally (e.g., by way of an external transceiver unit). Additional devices, apparatuses, systems, and methods including ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention relates to a biological probe structure (e.g., an active structure), as well as apparatuses, systems, and methods employing this structure. Such structures include optoelectronic features capable of connecting to biological systems. In particular embodiments, the structure includes a hermetically sealed unit configured to receive and transmit one or more optical and / or electrical signals. These structures are configured to be coupled optically to one or more components (e.g., an optical connector and / or an optical collector). Furthermore, the structure can be implanted subcutaneously and interrogated externally (e.g., by way of an external transceiver unit). In this manner, a minimally invasive method can be employed to detect, treat, and / or assess the biological target. Additional methods and systems are also provided.

Problems solved by technology

However, these methods are limited in spatial and temporal characteristics.

For instance, some probes are large (e.g., on a millimeter scale) and, therefore, lack spatial precision in either stimulating or detecting individual neurons or isolated regions within neural tissue.

In another instance, some probes can be difficult to implant and maintain without complications and degradation both in the target tissue and within the biological system.

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